Both of the heaters mentioned seem to be overkill in a
minivan. Here is a comparison.
Newport P9000 Propane Fireplace Heater
Model #: 00-NEW-P9000
$1,030.64
http://dickinsonmarine.com/product_cat/propane-fireplace-heaters/
Approximate cubic footage this unit will heat based on an average climate it’s installed in, the altitude being sea level and a well insulated area is 10’ x 10’ x 8’ = 800 cuft or 100 sq. Ft.
Width: 8.5″
Height: 14″
Depth: 5.5″
Weight: 22 lbs
Fuel Consumption:
1 lb – 7 hrs
20lb – 140 hrs gal LOW
1 lb – 5 hrs
20lb – 100 hrs gal HIGH
Heat Output:
Low: 3,200 BTU
High: 4,500 BTU
Newport Propane P12000 Fireplace Heater
Model #: 00-NEW-P12000
$1,177.57
Approximate cubic footage this unit will heat based on an average climate it’s installed in, the altitude being sea level and a well insulated area is 12’ x 12’ x 8’ = 1100 cuft or 144 sq. Ft.
Width: 10″
Height: 16″
Depth: 7.25″
Weight: 25 lbs
Fuel Consumption:
1 lb – 5.5 hrs
20 lb – 110 hrs gal LOW
1 lb – 3.9hrs
20 lb – 78 hrs gal HIGH
Heat Output:
Low: 4,000 BTU
High: 5,500 BTU
PORTABLE BUDDY HEATER
Model #: MH9BX
$104.99
http://www.mrheater.com/portable-buddy-heater.html
Use Emergency Heat, Tents, Campers, Workshops, Job Sites, Porches, Patios, Decks, Garages, Storage Buildings, Picnics, Tailgate Parties, Construction Trailers, Sporting Events, Barns, Sheds, Hunting Blinds, Shelters, Ice Fishing Shanties
Dimension (In) 13.4" W x 15" H x 7.7" D
Weight (Lbs) 10.60
Run Time (Hrs at Max BTU) 1 lb -3 Hours
Run Time (Hrs at Min BTU) 1 lb -6 Hours
Fuel Consumption/Burn Rate (Gal/Hr)
at 4,000 BTU = 0.044 Gal/Hr,
at 9,000 BTU = 0.099 Gal/Hr
4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour
Heats up to 200 sq. Ft.
Electricity Required No
Maximum Elevation (Ft) 7000 Ft
Indoor Safe Yes
LITTLE BUDDY HEATER
Model #: MH4B
$81.99
Use Emergency Heat, Tents, Campers, Workshops, Job Sites, Porches, Patios, Decks, Garages, Storage Buildings, Picnics, Tailgate Parties, Construction Trailers, Sporting Events, Barns, Sheds, Hunting Blinds, Shelters, Ice Fishing Shanties
Length 12.00
Width 9.75
Weight (Lbs) 5.85
Run Time (Hrs at Max BTU) 5.6 Hours
Heats up to 100 sq. ft.
3,800 BTU per hour
Electricity Required No
Maximum Elevation (Ft) 7000 Ft
Indoor Safe Yes
The prices listed are from the manufacturer's web site. 12/27/15
One question I could not find an answer for, since the Dickson is designed to work at sea level, how well does it work at higher altitudes?